Book description
Writing about siblings from the London Review of Books 'My childhood can never let me down as a guide to human complication.'- Andrew O'Hagan 'Most of us who have siblings dream about being an only child,' Colm Tóibín writes in his introduction. 'Part of the joy of being a novelist is to erase all trace of siblinghood and present a character facing destiny without brothers and sisters ... Not having siblings gives them autonomy, and that, in turn, becomes a sort of power.' The Bensons and the Brontës, the Jameses and the Joyces, the sisters Austen and the brothers Mann, are joined here by pieces about Elizabeth and Margaret Windsor, the only children ('little emperors') of China and the Marx Brothers. 'The Big Problem', an essay by Adam Phillips that hasn't been published before, completes the collection.Featuring: John Bayley, Dinah Birch, Terry Castle, Stanley Cavell, Jenny Diski, Anne Enright, Penelope Fitzgerald, Deborah Friedell, Andrew O'Hagan, Adam Phillips, Tony Tanner, Colm Tóibín and Sheng Yun
QuantumQuill
I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Pompeii Unicorn
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds.
Gothic Gucci
Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Fiend Oblivion
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Maple Destroyer
This app has reignited my passion for literature – I'm devouring books like never before. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
FireBerry
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Duchess
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
Marshmallow Treat
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧
Gumby Train
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Slacker Cat
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Miss Lucky
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Dahlia
Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Prone
🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Solitaire
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app.
Voodoo Cyclone
I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Clang Glyph
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Twisty Freesia
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖
Manimal
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Sweet Manhattan
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊
Gov Skull
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience